Al Sweigart

I was expecting a terrible non-apology from Stallman, but this is even worse than I thought it would be. #cancelstallmanhttps://twitter.com/theamyshim/status/1172946689553887232 …

Sarah, Pause for a moment. Irrespective of Richards actions, what is the intent here? Replace Richards name with your own, or one of children's. How would feel as the receiver and observer of such emotional vitriolic language? What will you do when Twitter comes for you?

You're right. If it was me or one of my kids, I'd want myself or them spared of this reaction and face no consequence. Then again, that's just "self-interest" and "nepotism". How do you think a little Billy or Susie behaves at work when everyone knows the boss is their daddy?

My sense is that we should support that individuals face consequences for bad actions even family members. The response to their actions however I feel should not be emotive or derogatory. Why? If we ourselves mirror the bad behavior, then surely we lessen the moral lesson.

I’m just calling it what it indisputably is: Abhorrent. Terrible. An ugly stain on free software that can never be fully removed. But we have to try, and that starts with removing him from every position of power he holds.

Understood. I see you as a force for good, you have driven awareness for change, and through that enabled change. You haven't tried you have succeeded. My worry was and remains that the emotive language being used in this context detracts from a powerful position and argument.